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Mulch, Sweat and Shears reuniting for one night only at House of Blues

2015 was the year of theme park closures, and one of the most memorable was the loss of ‘Mulch, Sweat and Shears’ at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The popular band had been an institution at DHS for the past 11 years and with a decade of almost daily appearance, they had gained quite a following.

Since the closing, fans have sought out performances by individual performers as they were scattered over Disney World to fill various roles.

The band has now reunited under a name and is planning a free, all ages show at House of Blues. The concert is part ‘thank you’ to the fans who’ve supported them over the past 11 years and partly a test to see if there is enough of a fan base for the band to continue doing their own, private concerts outside of the theme parks.

Now known as ‘American Martian’ the band reunites former ‘Mulch, Sweat and Shears’ members Jim Doyle, Matt Bloodwell, CC Dixon, Paul Smith and Tony Manna.

The show is from 7 p.m. – 11 p.m. this Friday, Jan 8 at House of Blues in Disney Springs. While technically on Disney property, the venue is completely operated by third parties. Similar Disney-focused but unaffiliated concerts have taken place at HOB before, including an annual variety show for and by cast members.

It’s not unprecedented for bands to perform other places after leaving Disney World. Off Kilter, the popular cover band that used to be (and may soon be once again) in Canada at Epcot, has performed at a number of local events. In California, a popular Disneyland band famously changed its’ name and began performing across town at Knott’s Berry Farm after Disneyland let them go as part of a larger updating in the entertainment department.

Back here in Orlando, Fun Spot has been building its own stage for live performances with some speculating that the smaller park, which does quite a bit to target locals, will attempt to have Off Kilter or American Martian performer on a regular basis at the park. But for now, all we know is the Mulch, Sweat and Shears fan base will be happy, if only for a single night.